Mountains To Rock Art: Places In Kazakhstan For Your Bucket List

With its vast territory and diverse landscapes, Kazakhstan proudly holds the title of being the world's largest landlocked country. This Central Asian gem boasts a mesmerizing array of attractions, including canyons, sprawling deserts, arid plains, towering glaciers, and ancient architectural wonders, making it a year-round destination for travellers. Spanning nine climate zones and two time zones, Kazakhstan's geographical diversity is a sight to behold. In exciting news, the Kazakh authorities have granted Indian passport holders the privilege of visa-free travel to Kazakhstan, allowing for a continuous stay of up to 14 days. To help you make the most of your visit, we have curated a list of places for you to explore in this country.

Tamgaly-Tas

Tamgaly-Tas is located in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, approximately 170 kilometers northwest of the city of Almaty. It is situated in the Tamgaly Gorge along the Ili River. It is often referred to as an open-air museum due to the concentration of rock art in the area. Visitors can explore the gorge and encounter the petroglyphs while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape. Apart from rock art, Tamgaly-Tas offers opportunities for outdoor activities. The area is ideal for hiking, with trails leading through the picturesque gorge and along the river. The diverse flora and fauna of the region make it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Lake Kaindy

Lake Kaindy is located in the Kolsai Lakes National Park, about 280 kilometers east of Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. The lake is nestled in a beautiful valley at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters above sea level. Its unique appearance is the result of a natural phenomenon caused by an earthquake in 1911, which led to a massive landslide submerging a section of the forested valley and creating a stunning underwater landscape. One of the most remarkable features of Lake Kaindy is its submerged forest, where the clear waters reveal the ghostly remains of spruce trees standing upright beneath the surface.

Aktau

Aktau translates to 'White Mountain', which comes from the chalky white appearance of the mountains. Aktau is known for its stunning coastal scenery, with the blue waters of the Caspian Sea stretching out into the horizon. The city offers beautiful sandy beaches and picturesque rocky cliffs, making it a popular destination for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. In this city, adventurous tourists can go on a biking trail or a yacht along the shoreline. As one of Kazakhstan's major port cities, Aktau also boasts modern infrastructure and a well-developed urban landscape. Tall buildings, wide boulevards, and modern amenities can be found throughout the city.

Oskemen

In 1720, a fort was constructed, after which small settlements started to grow surrounding the fort. At that time, the place was named the Oskemen City. Oskemen is a small town where you can find a fusion of ethnic Kazakh and Russian. Attraction centres include Zhastar Park and Altaiskiye Alpy. If you're looking to spend a relaxing day, you can stroll along the sidewalks of the Slavskog embankment. As you walk, you can also visit the mausoleum and the churches in the city.